Assange to be released

A High Court judge has rejected a call to keep Julian Assange in jail while the courts consider Sweden's extradition request.

The Wikileaks founder, wanted in Sweden for questioning in relation to alleged sex crimes, was granted bail on Tuesday, but was held in prison pending today's appeal by the Crown Prosecution Service.

He will now be freed later today.

Assange's supporters will pay the court a £200,000 security deposit, and £40,000 in sureties. He will live in Suffolk at the home of Vaughan Smith, a journalist who founded the Frontline Club, wear an electronic tag, and report daily to the local police station.

The next hearing is scheduled for 11 January. Assange denies the allegations and his lawyers will oppose extradition. ®